King James Version

What Does Hebrews 3:11 Mean?

Hebrews 3:11 in the King James Version says “So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) They: Gr. If they shall enter” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) They: Gr. If they shall enter”

Hebrews 3:11 · KJV

Context

9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

10

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

11

So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) They: Gr. If they shall enter

12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13

But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Read Hebrews 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's oath ('ōmosa' - I swore) carries absolute certainty. 'They shall not enter my rest' pronounces irrevocable judgment on the unbelieving generation. The 'rest' typologically points beyond Canaan to the eternal rest of salvation. Reformed theology sees this as illustrating God's justice in judging persistent unbelief and the reality of reprobation - not all will be saved, despite outward religious affiliation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 14:21-23 records this oath after Israel's refusal to enter Canaan. Except Joshua and Caleb, that entire generation died in the wilderness, never experiencing the promised land rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's oath teach about the certainty of His judgments and promises?
  2. How does the reality of divine judgment motivate holy living and sharing the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὡς1 of 12

“So”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὤμοσα2 of 12

“I sware”

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ἐν3 of 12

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀργῇ5 of 12

“wrath”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

μου6 of 12

“my”

G3450

of me

Εἰ7 of 12

“not”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

εἰσελεύσονται8 of 12

“They shall”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς9 of 12

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν10 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατάπαυσίν11 of 12

“rest”

G2663

reposing down, i.e., (by hebraism) abode

μου12 of 12

“my”

G3450

of me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 3:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:34-35Hebrews 4:3Deuteronomy 2:14Numbers 14:35Numbers 14:20-23Hebrews 4:5

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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